HBRI Critical Evaluation of Arguments 2

Question 1

A report states: 'Sales increased in every region where we ran TV ads.' A colleague concludes TV ads cause sales increases. What additional information would most weaken this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The regions with TV ads also had newly hired sales teams during the same period

Answer

TV ads are expensive to produce

Answer

Some customers do not watch TV

Answer

The ads were only 30 seconds long

Question 2

Which of the following represents a conclusion that goes beyond what the evidence supports?

Accepted Answer

Because our top performer works 60-hour weeks, all employees should work 60-hour weeks to maximize productivity

Answer

Sales rose 10% last quarter, which is higher than the previous quarter's 8% rise

Answer

The project came in under budget, which means the project manager controlled costs well

Answer

Customer complaints decreased after the new support software was deployed

Question 3

An argument is described as 'sound.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It is logically valid AND all its premises are true

Answer

It uses formal business language and is well-presented

Answer

It is persuasive and well-received by the audience

Answer

It has been reviewed and approved by management

Question 4

A team proposes that customer lifetime value (CLV) is declining. Which evidence best supports this claim?

Accepted Answer

Average revenue per customer in year 3 fell from $4,200 to $3,800 across three consecutive cohorts

Answer

Acquisition costs have risen by 12% this year

Answer

A competitor was seen reducing prices

Answer

Customer service call volume increased last month

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of circular reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Our strategy is effective because it works, and we know it works because it is effective

Answer

We should trust the CFO's projections because she has 20 years of experience

Answer

The market analysis supports expansion into Asia due to a 300M consumer base

Answer

Increasing R&D spend correlates with higher patent output in peer-reviewed studies

Question 6

A business argument states: 'Either we lay off 20% of staff or the company will go bankrupt.' This is most likely an example of:

Accepted Answer

A false dichotomy presenting only two options when others may exist

Answer

Sound deductive reasoning

Answer

A valid statistical inference

Answer

An appeal to emotion

Question 7

A marketing director says: 'Our ad campaign must be working — sales went up right after we launched it.' An analyst responds that this conclusion may be premature. The analyst is most likely pointing to:

Accepted Answer

The post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy — assuming causation from temporal sequence alone

Answer

The cost of the ad campaign being too high

Answer

The need for a longer campaign before drawing conclusions

Answer

The director's lack of marketing credentials